June 03 - July 01, 2005

June 03 (Fri)
Depart Kahului, Maui to Honolulu on Hawaiian Airlines

June 04 (Sat)
Depart Honolulu to Nadi Airport, Fiji on Air Pacific

June 05-07 - Yasawa Island Resort (2 nights)
First, the flight to this island paradise is not to be underestimated. After a long expanse of ocean you come upon the Yasawa island chain and islands dot the horizon and beaches flash in front of you. Turquoise and aqua water glistens and you are mesmerized by beauty. Your “Inner Robinson Crusoe” comes to life and you feel the primal urge to plant your feet on deserted beaches. One must ask, if you are a woman, how can I love to shop until I drop and yet love to feel sand between my bare toes? It is simple, we are prone to passion of the heart and frilly colorful clothes that express our inner soul are only a part of us.. Well, maybe those of us that also can find it, abandon in nature and water as it filters through our hair while diving deep into the aqua blue ocean or standing on our view deck as soft tropical breezes caress us and pull us in.. To the sensibility of the nature around us. Nature and its greens and blues and soft sounds and passion.. Call all of us to it. Pull us to it.. Call the essence of we, as humans and as women and men... And as woman whose foundation is really the natural world (I’ve loved nature since I was a little girl) , I am always humbled by the beauty and then taken home to a place in the heart that is touched by God’s creations. Fiji yanks at your essence, you find a piece of yourself here! And then.. There is Frank Sinatra on his album DUET playing at full speed in my Lomalagi Bure (Yasawas most private and one of Fiji's most private), under the stars. Oh my god, where is my husband when I need him? I need to dance, I need to feel the floor under my feet.. And then it flows and it’s me and my shadow dancing on the expansive deck of the Lomalagi Bure. It’s a two step I can’t refuse. It is fluid and and starlit and moonbeams dancing on the Fiji dark ocean. I love this place. I am 100% here and now and there is “no place like home”. Home in my islands. Home in my island of Fiji. As I start my journey of almost 4 weeks to these delectable islands, this place sets the heart and mind to it’s goal. This may be my business but it is my life too. I love to bring it alive for myself, my staff, my clients (you?) and my loved ones.

Okay, the facts. Yasawa has one of the best beaches of all Fiji Resorts. The have great cookies (I’ll be doing cookie reviews too). Most resorts have plunger coffee and cookies and it is SWEET to wake up in the AM, make your plunger coffee whilst nibbling on a tasty homemade cookie. Yasawa excels at food variety and preparation and their wine list. Lori and I were pleased and honored to meet her clients from Korea. It is always a pleasure to meet our clients when we travel in Fiji. Of course we hope that is YOU someday! :)

We love the pool at Yasawa Island Resort in addition to my plunge pool at Lomolagi bure. There are private picnics to remote beaches, world class scuba dving, visiting the famous Blue Lagoon Caves and so much more. Relax, unwind, renew and love the “Fiji Life”. Yasawa Island Resort – you will enjoy he experience. Bula Bula Vinaka.

Signing off from Yasawa Island Resort...

Next resort is Vomo- a quick 12 hour stay and updates on how things are going with upgrades.

Thanks for joining me on my 4 week tour of Fiji.
Moce and Vinaka ( bye and thankyou)
Melissa

(click here for on location Yasawa Lomalagi photos from Melissa McCoy)

June 07 (Tue) - Vomo Island Resort (1 night)
Vomo Island Resort and Spa has a charm all its own. We arrived late here since we had to fly from Yasawa to Nadi and then take a helicopter back to Vomo. What one has to do to experience it all! It had been years since I had been to this resort and the last time was a really nice experience with my husband. I actually beat him playing golf on the 3 under par course. Since I don’t play golf and he has many times over the years, this was one of those rare moments of accomplishment in the field of sports for me. My sport of choice as a young woman was frisbee and then hiking and kayaking.

So, here we are, Lori and I, just making it before dark to this white sand island. In case you have forgotten, Lori works for me and we really enjoy spending time together. We both turned 50 last Sept, both venturing to Fiji to celebrate (not with each other but our own best girlfirend). We fly in on our dinky little helicopter to be whisked away to the reception. A wonderful song was sung to us by the staff and then off to our Bures. Vomo gets the vote from me for the best “sulu”. From Indonesia I’m sure, the brown and tan rayon flowed softly when I put it on and I knew that it would be on the top of my stack of “sulus” at home. It’s in good company with the other 40+ that I own. Many telling tales of travel, romance and shopping. Ah, shopping, more on that later.

Lori and I headed off to the Beach Restaurant for the seafood and lobster BBQ. The food was delicious and there was a band playing and the water lapped at the shore and we enjoyed our new venue for the evening.

It was to bed early for us as the rain gently fell only moments after reaching our Bures. Recently renovated, the nicely decorated interior of the bures were spacious with a sitting area and oceanview deck. I was in a duplex Bure and Lori was in a free standing. The bathrooms are nice size with a corner jacuzzi bathtub. All bures have air conditioning which really comes in handy when summer is upon Fiji. And Vomo is kid friendly so bring the family!

I was up at 4:30am getting ready for my boat transfer to Nadi and then my 2.5 hour land transfer to the Shangri la Fijian for the Bula Fiji trade show.

It was a short stay but helped me see just how nice they have improved the property. Still the same beautiful white sand beach. Still the loving home of baby turtles that they are helping to grow big enough to have a chance to live when released. Many really nice features await those who choose to enjoy it.

Moce,
Melissa


June 08 (Wed)
Shangri-la's Fijian Yanuca Island
Accommodations have been reserved for 3 nights.

June 11 (Sat)
Namale Resort - 1 night.
(click here for on location Namale photos from Melissa McCoy)

June 12 (Sun)
Koro Sun Resort
Accommodations have been reserved for 2 nights.

June 14 (Tue)
Qamea Resort & Spa
Accommodations have been reserved for 2 nights.

June 16 (Thu): Matangi Island Resort - 2 nights
(click here for on location Matangi photos from Melissa McCoy)


June 18 (Sat): Taveuni Palms - Accommodations have been reserved for 2 nights
Arriving at Tavenui Palms is an unexpected WOW. Only minutes from the Matei airport, you wind your way down the drive to your own villa (home turned luxury accommodation). The house itself is understated with many sweet touches throughout. 2 bedroom and 2 outdoor showers (the other villas has one bathroom with a bathtub). Although both homes are “homes”, they are operated as Villas and the pricing includes 3 meals per day. This generously endowed property is set amongst fruited palms and lush tropical foliage. With a private beach (modest but all yours), this is one of Fiji’s best kept secrets. My Villa is the lower one, with 3 dining decks (I’m having my new good friends Eric and Julie from Melbourne, over for dinner tonight), a plunge pool and swimming pool. It’s more than you could hope for in most resort settings and fits your needs if you don’t want a resort experience.

My job today, is to partake of their Signature Massage, sample their breakfast, lunch and dinner and soak in the incredible views looking out over the Somo Somo Straits toward Rabi Island and Vanua Levu. It is a stunning view that captivates those who yearn for panoramic views. As my eyes scan from left to right, with only palms interrupting the view, I am smitten by the serenity that this part of Taveuni offers in shadow of the island. The trade winds frolic over the “leeward” or “windward” side of this island and move aptly over the mass of this island missing the western shore (most times). This part of Taveuni and even Fiji, offers one of the most incredible vistas in all of Fiji. And, for dolphin lovers amongst us, a large pod of dolphins swam past this morning just offshore and Eric and Julie have told me that they see this regularly. They have just bought property in the area and are two of the most delightful people I have met and giddy about their new home away from home.

Oh yes, back to my day today. Remember, always, that it is for the ‘good of the company’ that I must experience the delights of each resorts and island offerings. My husband has suggested to me that I really do this for fun! As we chat on my new Fiji cell phone from the ocean deck at Taveuni Palms, he is wondering “how is she there and I am here?”. My solution is that he is coming to meet me in 3 days for a 10 day “Engagement Anniversary” holiday. More on that when the time comes. 7 nights in Beqa Lagoon topped by 2 nights at the Outrigger, Oceanfront Bures w/ private butler service and a private romantic dinner on the beach.

Fantastic Food Alert!: Breakfast has just been served. Fabulous fruit salad served in a pineapple and Bula Wraps like a breakfast burrito but “different”. All served with floral adornment to bring more enjoyment in dining. The menu here is enough to make you wonder if you ever want to leave. Coffee drinks, smoothies, mixed drinks and delightful dining. Most of this is here and MOST available with advance notice. Often times they have to bring items in from the main island. Spontaneity is not the word of the day but if you know what you like, make sure you have it ordered up in advance. Champagne.. Nautilus is a good brand from New Zealand. Okay, sparking wine! There are some very good options from New Zealand and Australia for champagne. On the wine list here is Mumms brut at $125fjd.

(click here for on location Taveuni Palms photos from Melissa McCoy)

June 20 (Mon): Vatulele Island Resort - The Point
Bula from The Point at Vatulele – Heaven on earth and then some... When you arrive at Vatulele you are greeted with a warm welcome by staff singing the welcome song for you. You step off of the “bus” (until they get their seaplane back in service again) and the joyful voices melt the first layer of stress from your soul. After a few minutes of lavishing in the delight of their song you are escorted to your “sign in” which includes the option.. Would you like to enjoy a glass of water or glass of champagne? Well, let’s see ... Mmmmm.. Hard decision but one made with much thought. CHAMPAGNE! At 12noon in the day, those bubbles go straight to your head. Tukini escorted me to The Point in the little electric cart. As we wound our way through lush green jungle with dancing sunlight finding the earth below, I had to giggle. I know I had not arrived at the pinnacle of my life but it sure felt like it. As we approached the entry to The Point, the anticipation made me feel anxious. Tukini, who is the caretaker of those who enjoy The Point, is a delightful young man with a sense of esthetics when putting things together in your Villa. He walked me up the path and opened the huge wooden doors to it.. The Point. The coveted Villa overlooking Vatulele’s lagoon. It’s not just the plunge pool or the pool or the fact that you have your own personal assistant (they call it Butler service but like many I am uncomfortable with the “term” but not the service). It’s ALL the parts of The Point that make it so very special.

So, I walk in and the turquoise lagoon is staring me straight in the face. Giggle. Through every window I can spy Vatulele’s beach, the lagoon and more. I feel immersed in Vatulele. In every corner of the villa are little flowers, frangipani’s whose scent wafts through the air. More giggles. There’s the Lu with a View downstairs and a shower with a view upstairs. After Tukini leaves it is me, myself and I with the sounds of the ocean undulating against the rock below. The color is dazzling and is almost too bright to look right into. Kayakers paddle by and I tell them it’s cocktails at The Point tomorrow night. I have decided that I must invite everyone up to experience this most incredible venue.

Instead of going to the dining area for lunch I decide to stay at “MY” Villa. I order in. Chick pea salad w/ avocado and a special order of grilled lobster. When I am served I am so delighted with the service and visual display I have to “giggle” again! The lobster looks too good to sit there more than a few moments and as I put the first bite into my mouth I am in Lobster Heaven. Perfect flavor, perfect texture and more than I could dream of. By far the best lobster I have had in years. The secret.. When you have your private picnics or private dinners.. Don’t hesitate to ask for Lobster. Even.. If it is not on the menu.

After my time in the sun in “MY” villa as sunlight danced in my eyes, every time I looked out on the ocean it happened again.. The giggle. Only proving that you can really impress someone who has had the best of Fiji. I will not be telling any untruth if I say I AM SMITTEN and my heart is swooning with love for Vatulele, The Point especially. Well, especially The Point. I feel like I’m being unfaithful to all of the other resorts I have visited and love. But when true love strikes, what can one do?

Before dinner we enjoyed a village Meke (dance) that was full of fun and laughter and followed by the infamous “tra la la” where guests are urged to take part in the Fijian two step. It’s a great way to get some exercise and “look smart”. If you can do the Fiji 2 step you are considered “very smart”. For dinner many enjoyed the private venues offered by the resort. I enjoyed the communal table which is, for me, one of the most enjoyable options in Fiji where you meet people from around the world, make new friends for life, have mind expanding conversations and so much more. We had clients here at Vatulele who were getting married and 2 couples extended their stay to attend their wedding. Savor the opportunity for communal dining. You don’t have to participate as there are many private dining options. But... Be adventurous and get to know people who are not like you. It is fun and enriching and may be a new lifelong friendship.

In the morning I plunged my own coffee and then took off kayaking to get a little exercise. I went all the way down the beach to a more remote beach (past Bure 18) so I could go shelling. The key of course is to make sure that “no one is home”. You never want to collect shells that have critters in them since that means certain death for them. There are oodles of empty shells and I almost missed breakfast because I had found the mother lode. The water was flat and glassy and I could see the zillion of blue and colorful fish darting under my kayak. The best snorkeling at Vatulele is off shore a little ways to reef and coral heads that harbor many beautiful fish.

To be continued...


June 22 (Wed)
Lalati Resort
Accommodations have been reserved for 3 nights.

June 25 (Sat)
Beqa Lagoon Resort
Accommodations have been reserved for 2 nights.

June 27 (Mon)
Royal Davui Island Resort
Accommodations have been reserved for 2 nights.

June 29 (Wed)
Outrigger Lagoon Resort Fiji
Accommodations have been reserved in an Oceanfront bure for 2 nights.
Butler Service

(click here for on location Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji photos from Melissa McCoy)

June 30 (Thu) - Rivers Fiji - Upper Navua
In the remarkable highlands of Viti Levu lies one of the most unique rivers on earth. Slicing a deep chasm through the island’s tropical interior, the Upper Navua River is our hidden pathway to a pristine tropical wilderness. Shrouded in lush rainforest, fed by countless waterfalls and protected by challenging rapids, the headwaters of the Upper Navua have remained unexplored and unknown to all but the most intrepid adventurers – until now.

Jul 01 (Friday)
Depart Nadi Airport, Fiji to Honolulu on Air Pacific
Depart Honolulu to Kahului, Maui on Hawaiian Airlines